If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

FLA Governor Rick Scott Signs Welfare Drug Testing Requirement

TALLAHASSEE -- Floridians must submit urine, blood or hair samples for drug testing before receiving cash benefits from the state under a bill Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday.

“The goal of this is to make sure we don’t waste taxpayers’ money,” Scott said. “And hopefully more people will focus on not using illegal drugs.”

The new law fulfills a campaign pledge from Scott, but has raised legal questions. The ACLU of Florida has signaled it might sue over the law.

“Once again, this governor has demonstrated his dismissal of both the law and the right of Floridians to personal privacy by signing into law a bill that treats those who have lost their jobs like suspected criminals,” said ACLU of Florida director Howard Simon.

The law, which goes into effect on July 1, will mean about 4,400 drug tests per month, according to the Department of Children & Families. Taxpayers will reimburse welfare applicants for negative drug tests, which can cost between $10 and $25.

Positive tests will carry an immediate six-month ban on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. A second positive test will result in a three-year ban on state assistance.

"Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack.” -- Gen. George S. Patton

I take it, Mike, that you have been entirely virtuous for the whole of your existence?

absolutely not. I just think that if you ask me for money that I should be allowed to set ground rules that you have to live in order to get it. If you don't want to live by those rules, that's fine, just don't ask me for money.

Because as I said in my earlier comment - drugs show up in your hair for years and years and years...I'm basically saying that as we are human beings we do occasionally make mistakes and shouldn't be punished for them years later when entirely inappropriate. Nobody (including our lovely Mike) is ever entirely blameless - should he (or anybody for that matter) be punished for ever more for minor indiscretions in the past?

I'm FEMALE...Deal with it!

"Whatever you do, wherever you go, there you are..." Edward Van Halen 1986

"You spend the first part of your life trying to make your mark, and the second part just trying to cover up your tracks"... Weesfreewheelin, 2012

"Life's too short to stuff a mushroom"... Shirley Conran, 1975

"You turn if you want to...The LADY is NOT for turning!"...Margaret
Thatcher, 1980

Because as I said in my earlier comment - drugs show up in your hair for years and years and years...I'm basically saying that as we are human beings we do occasionally make mistakes and shouldn't be punished for them years later when entirely inappropriate. Nobody (including our lovely Mike) is ever entirely blameless - should he (or anybody for that matter) be punished for ever more for minor indiscretions in the past?

Who's being punished? I'm not saying we should toss you in jail 7 years later. I'm saying if you ask me for money that I'm within my rights to say no. And one of the reasons I might say no is if you are a drug user (be it now or 7 years ago).

i'm not gonna argue the fine details of the legislation but i have no issue with a policy that says we don't offer welfare to those who fail drug tests.

I just think a line needs to be drawn - there has to be a sensible approach - I quite understand that there is an argument for wanting to prevent a total crackhead drop-out from claiming the dole but to deny the dole to a person who has worked hard and contributed to society for years and years, solely on the basis of a hair sample (which, as I've said, shows up everything from years ago) is ridiculous. You might just as well have locked them up at the time and thrown away the key as by denying that person dole you're also denying that they have contributed by working and paying taxes.

I'm FEMALE...Deal with it!

"Whatever you do, wherever you go, there you are..." Edward Van Halen 1986

"You spend the first part of your life trying to make your mark, and the second part just trying to cover up your tracks"... Weesfreewheelin, 2012

"Life's too short to stuff a mushroom"... Shirley Conran, 1975

"You turn if you want to...The LADY is NOT for turning!"...Margaret
Thatcher, 1980

I just think a line needs to be drawn - there has to be a sensible approach - I quite understand that there is an argument for wanting to prevent a total crackhead drop-out from claiming the dole but to deny the dole to a person who has worked hard and contributed to society for years and years, solely on the basis of a hair sample (which, as I've said, shows up everything from years ago) is ridiculous. You might just as well have locked them up at the time and thrown away the key as by denying that person dole you're also denying that they have contributed by working and paying taxes.

you tell me where to draw the line. If what you say about testing is that it'll show up for the next 7 years (and i doubt this) then it might be hard to draw the line at a kinda druggie being ok but a really bad druggie is not ok.

Who's being punished? I'm not saying we should toss you in jail 7 years later. I'm saying if you ask me for money that I'm within my rights to say no. And one of the reasons I might say no is if you are a drug user (be it now or 7 years ago).

If they've worked for the last 7 years, then they have paid into that system too - and so why shouldn't they be entitled to job-related benefits if they lose that job through no fault of their own? To say "No - you're not worthy - because you smoked a joint at the age of 15" is a form of punishment - and it's a punishment that completely outweighs the crime.

And, by the way, I'm not a loony liberal - I don't use drugs or alcohol (much) but when I was about 9, I did steal two penny sweets from the local newsagents...

I'm FEMALE...Deal with it!

"Whatever you do, wherever you go, there you are..." Edward Van Halen 1986

"You spend the first part of your life trying to make your mark, and the second part just trying to cover up your tracks"... Weesfreewheelin, 2012

"Life's too short to stuff a mushroom"... Shirley Conran, 1975

"You turn if you want to...The LADY is NOT for turning!"...Margaret
Thatcher, 1980

you tell me where to draw the line. If what you say about testing is that it'll show up for the next 7 years (and i doubt this) then it might be hard to draw the line at a kinda druggie being ok but a really bad druggie is not ok.

That's what I'm saying (I think - I may have misinterpreted you?) A hair sample is a blunt instrument really - it just says "DRUGS!!!" and then you're buggered whether you're a past or present user, occasional or addict.

Anyway, I have to admit, I'm not 100% sure of what a flamin' hair sample does show or for how long...I just read somewhere that various substances can be present for a long time.

Anyway, I have to admit I'd be very surprised if this legislation goes through without a major human rights battle taking place.

I'm FEMALE...Deal with it!

"Whatever you do, wherever you go, there you are..." Edward Van Halen 1986

"You spend the first part of your life trying to make your mark, and the second part just trying to cover up your tracks"... Weesfreewheelin, 2012

"Life's too short to stuff a mushroom"... Shirley Conran, 1975

"You turn if you want to...The LADY is NOT for turning!"...Margaret
Thatcher, 1980

Our little dedication to CRPS awareness. If you don't know what this horrible disease is, please click this link to learn more. My (Brett) wife suffers from this extremely painful and debilitating nerve disorder that doctors are just now learning more about and realizing the severity. Please consider donating to help doctors find a cure for what many call the "suicide disease." Thank you!

Like Us On Facebook!

Newest Posts

My only real elementary school memory is my 3rd grade teacher in her yellow leisure suit sitting in the green peas at lunch and finishing out the rest of the day like that. Scarred me for life....